President Donald Trump sought to clarify remarks he made earlier in the week regarding Iran and potential missile strikes on major California cities, telling a rally crowd that his administration is committed to domestic defense.
The controversy stems from campaign remarks delivered Monday in Nebraska, where Trump discussed potential scenarios involving a nuclear-armed Iran. “They can take out a city. Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego,” Trump told the audience at the time.
During a speech Wednesday night in San Antonio, Texas, Trump revisited those statements while defending his stance on Iran’s nuclear program, asserting he had no alternative to prevent Tehran from acquiring atomic weapons.
“You want to see problems? And I said it the other day: Let them hit a missile into San Diego or Los Angeles on the way. Let them hit. You want to see a horror show? You want to see problems?” Trump told the crowd Wednesday.
He continued: “Let them hit San Diego. Let them hit Los Angeles if you want to see some bad things happen. You want to see a country that would be in free fall?”
This time, however, Trump appended a direct assurance regarding national security: “We’re not going to let that happen. We protect our cities. We protect our country. We’re not letting that happen.”
Political Backlash From California Leaders
Trump’s initial statements drew swift condemnation from Democratic leaders in California, who characterized the rhetoric as reckless and dangerous on the international stage.
California Governor Gavin Newsom took to social media to criticize the remarks, writing, “He is deranged and dangerous,” and accusing Trump of inviting foreign attacks on American soil.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass echoed those concerns following Wednesday’s rally, telling the media that such statements undermine national security posture.
“To do that makes us look ridiculous on the world stage, but it also gives a green light to Iran, the nation that he chose to attack, the green light to attack our cities,” Bass said, adding that she may call on Congress to investigate the comments.
Protesters Interrupt Texas Republican Rally
The rally was organized to support Texas Republicans, including Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is engaged in a Senate contest against Democrat James Talarico. Texas Governor Greg Abbott, a prominent Trump ally, did not attend the event, citing a scheduling conflict amid low regional favorability metrics for Trump.
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